[4] Glencoe was laid out in 1855 and named after Glen Coe in Scotland.

U.S. Route 212 passes through the south side of the city, leading east 11 miles (18 km) to Norwood Young America and west 29 miles (47 km) to Hector.

Minnesota State Highway 22 passes through the center of Glencoe, leading northwest 14 miles (23 km) to Hutchinson, the largest city in McLeod County, and south-southwest 17 miles (27 km) to Gaylord.

There were 2,424 housing units at an average density of 752.8 per square mile (290.7/km2).

29.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

There were 2,169 housing units at an average density of 813.7 per square mile (314.2/km2).

27.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Numerous townspeople were interviewed by Malle, including dairy farmer and banker Clayton Hoese and his sons.